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Bay Alarm Home Security Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.3 / 5 (Excellent)
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Bay Alarm engages in the design and installation of alarm systems for commercial and residential customers in California, Arizona, and Washington State. They are the largest family owned security company in the United States and provide burglar alarms, home automation, video verification, access control, fire alarm and video surveillance for their customers. Bay Alarm owns and operates its monitoring center which is Five Diamond certified by The Monitoring Association. The company was founded in 1946 and is based in Concord, California.

How is Bay Alarm rated?

Breakdown

5.0/5
Equipment
4.5/5
Monitoring Options and Technology
5.0/5
Value
4.1/5
Contract Flexibility

Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 (Excellent)

Founded in 1946, Bay Alarm is a family-run, locally-operated company that provides residential and business security equipment and monitoring. The company offers 24/7 alarm monitoring, home automation, fire alarms & smoke detectors, as well as security cameras. On top of that, Bay Alarm is one of the few companies that provide a patrol and response program, where their agents are trained to assist the police and provide safety escorts to the customer's door. Besides providing home security services, the company is dedicated to working with community organizations in the states they serve.

How does Bay Alarm work?

Equipment - 5 / 5

Bay Alarm offers a wide variety of home security equipment including alarm systems, home automation, doorbell cameras, fire alarms & smoke detectors, and security cameras. Their system starts with a control hub, which comes in multiple options ranging from the basic to a full-color touchscreen option. On top of that, the company uses a broad range of security products from manufacturers in the industry like Honeywell, DMP, Digital Watchdog, Linear, among others.
Installation
Professional
Ability to Reallocate System
Wireless Sensors
Control Panel
Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm

Security Monitors, Sensors, & Devices

Intrusion Protection

  • Door & Window Sensors
  • Garage Door Sensors
  • Glass Break Protection
  • Motion Sensors
  • Recessed Door Sensors
  • Crash & Smash Protection

Environmental Protection

  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Flood
  • Temperature Change
  • Smoke

Surveillance

  • Indoor Cameras
  • Outdoor Cameras
  • Doorbell Cameras
  • Tilt & Pan Cameras
  • Live Surveillance
  • Event-triggered Surveillance

Life Safety

  • Panic Button
  • Smoke
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Duress

Monitoring

Monitoring Options and Technology - 4.5 / 5

Bay Alarm offers a complete life safety system that is monitored by its home security professionals, 24/7. The company owns and manages their monitoring center equipped with UL rated technology. The monitoring center is located in Northern California. Bay Alarm also trains their employees to dispatch the appropriate authorities within seconds of an emergency. The company can even help identify and prevent false alarms.
Monitoring Options
Professional Monitoring
Monitoring Technology
WiFi
Cellular
Broadband
Number of Monitoring Centers
1
Monitoring Center Type
Owned
Professional Monitoring Services
24/7 Professional Monitoring
Police Dispatch
Fire Department Dispatch

How much does Bay Alarm cost?

Contract Flexibility - 4.1 / 5

Monitoring starts at $35 per month using a 36-month contract. Also, they charge an installation fee, which includes a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a 1 year warranty. The cost of the installation fee will depend on the particular system. The basic installation package—includes a control hub, two door/window sensors, and a motion sensor, professionally installed, starts at $205. Bay Alarm also protects your rate from increase for the initial term of your agreement. When it comes to relocating the system, Bay Alarm offers great discounts for existing customers that relocate. Customers should contact the company to get a free quote.
Contract Required
Minimum Contract Length
36 months
Warranty
1 year

Technology Integrations

Technology Integration - 4 / 5

Control your home security system, lights, locks, and thermostat remotely, right from your smartphone or mobile device using the Bay Alarm App. Arm and disarm your system with all of your devices, receive event notifications, schedule automatic changes, check your home, and receive video clips anytime, anywhere.

Compatibility

Google Assistant
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
IFTTT
Z-Wave
ZigBee
Z-Wave Plus

Mobile Access & Alerts

  • iPhone App
  • Android App
  • Email & Text Alerts
  • Live Surveillance Feed
  • Remote Arm/Disarm
  • Geo-location Services

Home Automation

  • Garage Door Control
  • Lighting Control
  • Thermostat Control
  • Electronic Door Locks
  • Event-triggered Automation
  • Unique User Codes

Bay Alarm Reputation

Reputation - 4 / 5

For over 70 years, homeowners have been trusting Bay Alarm to help keep them safe, protected, and educated about security. The company not only offers top of the line home security equipment but it's also an active part of the community. Bay Alarm is proud to sponsor the Boys and Girls Club organization and is also honored to assist the office of the Sheriff and LETC in Contra Costa County, CA. Furthermore, the company has excellent customer reviews online, with many people saying that the security experts at Bay Alarm are the best-trained and most experienced team in the business.
Trust Pilot Rating
8.4 out of 5
BBB Rating
A+
Date Collected
2018-09-25
Year Founded
1946

Certifications & Associations

  • The Monitoring Association
  • California Alarm Association
  • Arizona Alarm Association
  • National Fire Protection Association
  • Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)
  • Factory Mutual (FM)

Bay Alarm Summary

In Conclusion

Bay Alarm is an excellent company. It offers high-end home security equipment and advanced smart home technology backed by a best in class customer experience. However, even though the company has continually added communities to its home and business security areas, Bay Alarm only operates in California, Arizona, and Washington. If you are a renter, you might want to evaluate other options. On the other hand, if you live in their service area, Bay Alarm is the home security company you’ve been looking for.

Furthermore, if you are a tech-freak, you will appreciate Bay Alarm’s control units are smart home hubs, capable of connecting devices like a WiFi video doorbell. Day or night, a video doorbell sends live video to your smartphone, letting you see, hear, and speak to whoever’s at your door. With remote monitoring and cloud recording features, you can view a visitor event at any time, from anywhere. Also, when a visitor shows up, the Bay Alarm app alerts you, even if the doorbell isn’t pressed. It’s like having your own bouncer 24/7.

Besides providing business and home security, Bay Alarm is a proud sponsor of Boys and Girls Clubs and also assists the office of the Sheriff and LETC in California. With this, the company demonstrates its commitment to not only the safety—but the wellbeing—of their customers. It offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a 1 year limited warranty, and if you’re not satisfied with your system, the company will provide a refund so long as you give a good reason.

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
Company Phone
(855) 428-4770
Headquarters Address
5130 Commercial Cir, Concord, CA, 94520

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